Indiana Unemployment Rate Remains at 9.8%

From the Department of Workforce Development:

Indiana’s preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate showed little change in October, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported today.

Indiana’s preliminary rate of 9.8 percent marks an increase of 0.1 percent from a revised September rate of 9.7 percent (+0.1 percent). Indiana’s month-to-month change is considered statistically insignificant. The national unemployment rate increased in October 0.4 percent to 10.2 percent.

"Indiana’s unemployment rate has held relatively steady for the past three months despite a steadily climbing national rate," said Teresa Voors, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "However, a projected soft holiday retail season combined with a slump in manufacturing and hospitality employment tempers my optimism concerning the coming months."

Seasonally-adjusted total non-farm employment in Indiana declined by 1,600 in October. Indiana reported the largest employment declines in manufacturing (-5,000), mostly attributed to a slowdown in domestic automobile manufacturing following a temporary "Cash for Clunkers" spike, and leisure and hospitality (-5,900). Sectors reporting large job increases include: construction (4,000), professional and business services (2,200) and financial activities (2,200).

Indiana continues to report the lowest unemployment rate of its neighboring states. Illinois increased 0.5 percent to 11.0 percent. Ohio’s unemployment rate grew 0.4 percent to 10.5 percent. Kentucky increased 0.3 percent to 11.2 percent. Michigan decreased 0.2 percent to 15.1 percent.

Additionally, here is a county breakdown of unemployment figures.

Hat tip to Inside INdiana Business.